Emma Mullins Photography

This spring I participated in a Great Gatsby wedding styled shoot at a private residence in Hyde Park. This was not my first styled shoot, but it was my first time experiencing one this extravagant! From the settings to the hors d’oeuvres to the models, everything was flawlessly executed! Would you believe our bride and groom had never met before this day?! To say they had chemistry would be an understatement.

In a nutshell, about ten photographers participated. We took turns rotating through different sections of the house. There was a bride getting ready in one room, and a groom and wedding party in another. Oh, and plenty of champagne. The models seemed to appreciate that 🙂

Below are some of my favorite images from the entire day, including a few bloopers and behind-the-scenes photos (this is what it looks like when several wedding photographers compete for the best shot!). Creativity was a necessity. Of course this is something we’ve become accustomed to in a competitive industry. You never know what your shooting conditions will be like – and I’m always up for a good challenge 🙂

Huge shout out to Nicee and Nicole for putting this whole thing together!

Vendor Team

Lead photographer: Miss Motley Photography /Event planner & stylist: Nicole Marie Events / Floral design: City Scents Floral / Makeup: Dawn “Bliss” Norman / Hair stylist: Chez Delali Salon / Dress designer: Suzette Opara – 828 Collection / Wedding gown: Edith Élan / Men’s attire: Jojayden Custom Suits / Jewelry: Estylo Jewelry/ Gramaphone: Zap Prop Rentals / Equipment rental: Classic Party Rental / Linens: BBJ Linen / Mixologist: Elizabeth Tyler / Paper goods: AGD Studios / Caterer: Dream Chef Catering / Cake: Cake Life Chicago / Doughnuts: Bon Vivant Cakes / Cookies: Gimme Sugar Creative Cookies / Cake pops and Apples: The Sweet Hustle / Luxury Car: Fivewest Chauffeur

Kaitlin and Evan’s Milwaukee Charles Allis Art Museum wedding hit home for many reasons. I get excited every time I travel to my hometown for a wedding… but this one was extra special. It’s not every day I get to photograph the wedding of an old friend!

As you may recall from their engagement session, Evan and I used to work together in high school. Since then, he has made a culinary career! Now Executive Chef of Easy Tyger Restaurant on Brady Street, he and Kaitlin met in culinary school. They have become inseparable ever since.

Family and friends traveled from around the world to celebrate with these two. Even though the forecast called for day-long thunderstorms, we were pleasantly surprised with sunny blue skies! Evan and Kaitlin were lucky enough to exchange vows on the museum’s lawn, exactly as planned. Afterwards, we took a stroll across the Brady Street bridge for wedding party photos and some sweet nostalgia 🙂 I’m not kidding: these two were all smiles all day!

Some of my favorite details include their wheel of cheese instead of wedding cake (you know you’re in Wisconsin when…). Kaitlin also kept the memory of her mother close by tying her antique wedding ring to her bridal bouquet. There is no doubt that both she and Evan’s late father were with us in spirit.

Kaitlin and Evan: I am so honored to have been a part of your wedding day. You two are clearly a perfect match, and I couldn’t be happier for you! Wishing you a wonderful future together.

Vendor Team

Venue: Charles Allis Art Museum/Dress: Robert Bullock from Miss Ruby Boutique/Suit:1905 custom tailored by Joseph A Bank/Bride’s shoes: Betsey Johnson/Florals: Mari’s Flowers/Caterer: Easy Tyger/Cheese: Pleasant Ridge Reserve from Uplands Cheese

Hello, friends and readers! How is everyone?? I’ve been busy lately – wedding season is off to a fantastic start and summer has officially begun. Looking forward to catching up on some posts!

Last month I got to hang out with Betty and Nick while she was in town from New York for their engagement session. These two were so much fun to photograph! We met at the Chicago Theatre and made our way down to the Riverwalk for a stroll (not short of some great accidental photobombers… see below!). I learned that Nick popped the question on a recent trip to Paris – on top of the Eiffel Tower!! Apparently he asked her immediately once they reached the top, just in case someone else had the same idea. Somehow I end up meeting couples with the most romantic proposal stories 🙂

Though they plan to reside together in New York prior to their 2018 nuptials, Nick expressed how much he has loved living in Chicago. Because Betty travels to our city frequently for work (and for Nick), they decided it would be a perfect place for Engagement photos! I couldn’t have agreed more. The weather gods dealt us choice summer temperatures, and we made it to Olive Park just in time for skyline photos before they closed for the evening.

Nick and Betty: Thanks again for having me document this time for you! I had a lot of fun getting to know you both and creating these images together. I know your future will be full of laughs and love!

Matt and Kelly’s Logan Square engagement session was such a blast! Chicago’s forecast called for rain at least a week before our session date – and to our surprise, that didn’t change. I’m so happy neither of us opted to reschedule – we embraced the weather, and – if I say so myself – had an awesome time playing in the rain together. Proof is in the pictures, people 🙂

We began at their lovely home in Uptown so we could include both of their Greyhounds, Buffy and Ramses. Such sweet animals! Buffy especially loved the camera – I think you have a canine star in the making, guys. Once the rain let up we headed to Logan Square without the pups, where Kelly and Matt will tie the knot in September.

We hit a few favorite neighborhood spots before seeking shelter at Emporium Arcade Bar on Milwaukee Avenue. Someone (I won’t say who) wanted a rematch of their first date, which consisted of one of them dominating the Air Hockey table against the other! This is serious, friends – rumor has it there was almost not a date number two! As it so happens, the champion prevails… and fortunately it looks like arcade skills won’t get in the way of their future together.

Kelly and Matt: thanks for spending this time in the rain with me! This was an all-around enjoyable session, and I can not wait to capture your wedding day.

I have known Evan for – let me see… fifteen years?! It’s true what they say, you know, about time. It flies! Evan and I used to wash dishes together as awkward teenagers at our part-time job in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Now that I think about it, he may have trained me on the job!

Flash forward to 2016, this lovable guy gets engaged (in Paris, may I add) and asks me to photograph his wedding next year. After heaps of congratulations, I finally meet Kaitlin and hear the story of their sweet proposal in the City of Love and Romance. There is no question that these two are perfect for each other! It is so much fun to capture a couple who can make each other laugh like this. This is love, people – I am so incredibly happy for these two.

Since both Kate and Evan are chefs (they met while cooking together), I thought Restaurant Row would be a perfect spot for Engagement photos while they were in town. We started on the patio at Green Street Smoked Meats and explored the West Loop neighborhood from there. After this session, I can not help but burst with excitement for their Milwaukee wedding this weekend!

Kate and Evan – thanks for making time for me while you were in Chicago! Looking forward to all the wonderful things Sunday will bring 🙂

This year’s wedding season officially began with Emily and John’s Salvage One wedding in March. These two have been together for years, and a pleasure in front of the camera! The best thing about working with Emily and John is how obviously in love they are… thanks for making my job easy, guys!

On wedding day, we unanimously decided to have their first look at Salvage One. Ever since their December engagement session, I had been eagerly anticipating wedding day! The natural light in this venue is killer and it’s filled with vintage artifacts and pieces. Finally, it was time for church… but not before stopping at the local CTA station for a few iconic Chicago photos with the wedding party!

Second Presbyterian Wedding Ceremony

That afternoon, John and Emily were married at Second Presbyterian Church on Chicago’s south side. Their ceremony was filled with unique personal touches, including the same ring bearer pillow from Emily’s grandmother’s wedding. The gothic architecture of this building is a fantastic photo backdrop – not to mention the stunning Tiffany windows! Once the knot was tied, these two were ALL smiles and ready to celebrate 🙂

Salvage One Wedding Reception

After the ceremony, the newlyweds wanted nothing more than for family and friends to gather and celebrate with them at Salvage One. Delicious food and local beer was also a top priority – and I’d say they got their wish! Local brews served at the reception include Off Color, Pollyanna, and Argus Brewing. One of my favorite details is their homemade wedding cake, made specially for them by a dear friend. Guests danced the night away, and we didn’t say goodbye without a night photo in the courtyard, of course!

Emily and John: A million thank yous for trusting me to capture your wedding day! Wishing you all the best in your future together.

Vendor Team

Hotel: Springhill Suites River North/Church: Second Presbyterian/Dress: Amy Kuschel/Shoes: Nina/Suit: rented from The Black Tux /Rings: Brilliant Earth, Blue Nile/Invitation Design: the groom/Florals: Gratitude Heart Garden/Caterer: Honky Tonk BBQ/Cake: friend of the couple/2nd shooter: Jeremy

Earlier this month I participated in Chicago’s Moment-Driven Workshop, a recurring event organized by Candice C. Cusic of Cusic Photography. I signed up for the workshop months ago, with the intent that it would help me develop new skills while honing my strengths as a photographer. In this field we are constantly growing, and I still think I learn something new each time I pick up my camera. I mean, really – what fun would it be if we just did the same thing the same way every time?

The workshop was held at Roosevelt University downtown, and included two full days of getting to know each other, photographing models, strangers, and each other, and trying to incite real emotion out of our subjects moment-to-moment. This was more challenging than I thought it would be! Key focus areas included hands, shoulders (they ARE our friends!), and my personal favorite: closeups. I think by Day 2 I mastered photographing strangers without the “camera-awareness” look. Results are below.

I had the privilege of taking this workshop alongside some incredibly talented individuals (also pictured below). All of us at different stages in our lives, our careers, and with many different backgrounds. All of us photographers. Do yourself a favor and check out their work!

Ade, Sonju, Donna, Ben, Carla, Tracy, and Patricia: it was wonderful meeting you all! I am so happy to have been a part of this with you – feel free to reach out any time you’re in Chicago. Special thanks to Candice for the awesome experience all around.

On one of the last seasonably winter days in Chicago, I met Sydney, Dylan, and canine Conan at their home in Lakeview. The four of us went for a chilly afternoon stroll around the neighborhood, stopping by the historic Music Box Theatre for a few portraits. Conan was such a trooper! We were able to squeeze in some family photos (and puppy kisses) before heading back to their living room to warm up a bit. I think Conan liked that part the best 🙂

After some couch time, we said goodbye to Conan and headed to Montrose Harbor. I learned that Sydney and Dylan met while living in Kansas in a theatrical performance of A Streetcar Named Desire. Sydney even showed me a photo of them on stage together! What an awesome piece of history to hold on to. We talked about their upcoming wedding in Lake Tahoe, which will be a low-key affair in a park that shares Dylan’s last name. With my personal love for both intimate wedding ceremonies and travel out west… let’s just say, we had plenty to talk about.

Sydney and Dylan: thank you for braving the end of winter with me! We made some incredible images together, and I truly enjoyed meeting you both (Conan too!). I hope your wedding this summer turns out to be everything you dream it will be.

Last month I had the opportunity to be a part of Erik’s epic Chicago lakefront proposal to Claire. He flew in from San Francisco, where they both reside, specifically to propose! Claire was in town on business and didn’t suspect a thing. Why choose Chicago to propose? It’s where they had their first date years ago! The look on Claire’s face when she saw him standing in front of the skyline was absolutely perfect.

North Avenue Beach Proposal

The day was cold, damp, and cloudy – even a few snow flurries when I met Erik near Castaways at North Avenue Beach. As soon as these two were together, however, the clouds parted. We began to see bits of blue sky – and eventually sunshine! It was all so picturesque, and the joy was overwhelming. Surprise proposals have easily become one of my favorite things to photograph. There’s just something about being part of a moment like this that I can’t get enough of!

Hint, hint! Are you planning a surprise Chicago proposal?! Definitely consider hiring a professional to capture the moment! Your partner will thank you 🙂

After a few photos with the skyline, Claire was in for more surprises. Family and friends arrived at the scene – including the couple’s dog, Cash! It’s true – Erik brought him along from San Francisco to share the moment, too!! This was such a sweet afternoon and I’m honored to have been there to capture it all!

CONGRATULATIONS, Erik and Claire!! I wish you all the happiness in the world.

While vacationing in the Virgin Islands in January, Jeremy and I took a day trip from St. Thomas to St. John. Our time in the Caribbean was sort of a belated honeymoon (we eloped in October), and St. John was hands-down the most adventurous part of our entire trip! We woke up early one Saturday to take the Red Hook ferry in St. Thomas over to Cruz Bay, and stayed on the island all day (and almost all night). Our time on St. John was filled with exploring, hiking, rainstorms, and wild donkeys. Oh, and some of the most incredible landscapes I have ever seen.

Something unique about St. John is that a large portion of its area (more than half) is occupied by Virgin Islands National Park. Our original plan was to ride the bus (it’s only $1!) down Centerline Road to the Reef Bay trail, and hike all the way to the south-eastern tip of the island known as Ram Head to watch the sun set there. However, due to the bus schedule and reluctance of every cab driver in Cruz Bay to pick us up across the island (I don’t blame them), we ended up turning around at Reef Bay. Along the trail we encountered numerous species of plants and wildlife, the ruins of two abandoned sugar mills, and the Petroglyphs along a freshwater reflecting pool, once sacred to the indigenous Taíno people.

We took an impromptu hike on Lind Point Trail overlooking Cruz Bay during golden hour, and made it to Honeymoon Beach just in time to see the pinks and purples of sunset before a storm blew in. Hiking back was quite an event – but the views were well worth it. Note to self: be more prepared for island rains next time you’re hiking in the jungle.

Some more touristy stops of note in Cruz Bay include St. John Brewers (try their Tropical Mango pale ale!) and Morgan’s Mango for dinner. Best lobster I’ve had in years.

If you find yourselves in the Virgin Islands and are up for some fun, I highly recommend spending a day on St. John!